Mallorca vs Athletic Bilbao preview - Caceres to bolster Mallorca backline

Real Mallorca defender Pablo Caceres is set to return from injury for this weekend's Primera Division clash with Athletic Bilbao and hopes he can help the club maintain their good form.

Mallorca have taken four points from their last two matches - at home to Sevilla and Racing Santander - to rise to 15th in the table.

Caceres, who has missed the last two months with a thigh problem, is excited to be back and is confident Mallorca can see off an Athletic side three points and five places better off.

"We are working very well as a squad, everyone is at 100% right now and another home win would be very important to stay on the right path," Caceres told the club's official website.

The Uruguayan could be pitched straight back into battle at Son Moix but he does not expect any rustiness after his lay-off.

He added: "I have been working with the squad this week and I have had time to prepare myself physically.

"I have been out a long time but if I play I will do my best, there will be no excuses."

Mallorca have a doubt over Israeli goalkeeper Dudu Aouate but he is expected to recover while his countryman Tomer Hemed has trained normally this week after a fitness scare.

Athletic come into the game buoyed by their 2-1 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Europa League on Thursday night which secured their place in the round of 32 as Group F winners.